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Industry & Market Research Guide

This Bentley Library research guide was created to provide a starting point for researching industries and markets.

1. Best Sources for Most Industries

These are the best library resources for retrieving industry surveys and market research reports for most industries. However, please note that databases are often selective in which industries they choose to cover - the industry you are researching may not necessarily appear in every one of the databases listed here!  Please contact the Reference Desk if you need further assistance with identifying which database will contain a survey for the industry you are researching.
  • Search Tip: There are many different search options available on the main landing page. No matter which search path you follow, we recommend that you start with those reports classified as Country Reports and Briefings, then look at related statistics, opinion pieces, datagraphics, etc. Try these different search paths:
    • Use the search box to keyword search the full database for data and analysis.
      OR
    • In the top navigation bar, click on [Industries] to select an industry, then use the [Explore Analysis] and [Explore Statistics] filters to narrow the search. Note: When choosing an analysis type, start with a Country Report (if available), then explore the other types of analysis.
      OR
    • Use the [Search Categories] option to browse the category tree using a drill-down menu and then choose a geography.
  • Search Tip #1: Use the Advanced Search screen to search for [your topic] AND marketline AND "industry profile".  For example:
    software AND marketline AND "industry profile"
  • Search Tip #2: Click on the [Industry Profiles] link. Select the "View By" [All Profiles] tab. In the search box, type the name of the industry (for example, software) and then select radio button [By Title, Subject and Description]. Click on [Browse].
  • Search Tip: Go to Mergent Intellect and click on [FIRST RESEARCH]. You will be prompted to enter your Bentley email address. Use the search box to search by keyword or industry classification code, or choose to browse the list of industry profiles.
  • Search Tip for industry surveys: There are 2 ways to search:
    • Click on [Industries] in the top menu bar. and use the drop-down box select your industry
      --OR-- 
    • Enter a company's name in the search box, then select [Industry Survey] from the left navigation menu.
  • Search Tip for researching sub-industries:
    • Click the [Markets] tab in the top menu bar. Then, on the far right side of your screen, click on [Refine Industries].
    • In the pop-up box drill-down and check your selected sub-industry, then click [Submit].
    • Use the left hand column for different sets of data on that sub-industry such as key stats & ratios, company level comparisons/financial operating metrics, news, etc.
  • Search Tip: Click on the [Industry Analysis] tab, then click [Reports]. Explore the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) Industry, Supersector, and ESG Reports. Note: Mergent Reports provide access to historical/archived reports and are no longer being updated.

Note: If you receive an error message, try opening the database link in an incognito or private browsing window. Contact the Reference Desk if you are unable to connect.

  • Search tip: On the D&B Hoover's landing page, select the RESEARCH INDUSTRIES tile. Search for industry profile, then explore the analyst reports and market research reports. Includes analysis and reports from J.P Morgan, Freedonia, MarketLine and more.
  • Search Tip: Get industry reports/overviews:
    • Option 1: Type a company name or ticker symbol into the search box and choose a company from the list of suggestions to retrieve a company profile. Scroll to the "Industry" section to see which industries the company operates in. Click on a NAICS code to retrieve the industry profile. Scroll to the "Industry Reports" section of the industry profile and explore the available reports.
    • Option 2: Type a NAICS code into the search box and choose an industry from the list of suggestions to retrieve an industry profile. Scroll to the "Industry Reports" section of the industry profile and explore the available reports.
    • Option 3: Click "Browse" in the navigation bar, then select "Industries". Choose an industry from the list to retrieve the industry profile. Scroll to the "Industry Reports" section of the industry profile and explore the available reports.

Handbooks available:

  • Business-to-Business Marketing
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Consumer Marketing & Advertising
  • Consumer Use of the Internet & Mobile
  • Entertainment & Leisure Market Research
  • Restaurant, Food & Beverage Market Research
  • Retail & Ecommerce Market Research
  • Sports Marketing
  • Travel & Tourism Market Research
  • U.S. Cities & Communities 

2. Specialized Sources: Technology Industries

These two specialized databases are useful for researching technology-related industries and markets. 

  • Search Tip: Bentley University does not have access to the entire Gartner database. Users may want to do an [Advanced Search] and select the limiter [Entitlement I My Memberships].

3. Specialized Sources: Sports Industry